Coming in at 16% alcohol (like the 2016), the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos des Papes carries it comfortably, showing no sign of overt heat or overripeness. Hints of leather and crushed stone appear on the nose, adding a pleasant nuance to the somewhat monolithic black-cherry fruit. It shows less nuance and complexity than the 2020 at this stage but shows plenty of promise, as its concentration is matched by freshness and a long, reasonably elegant, finish. This will likely need some time to come around. 97 points

One of the wines of the vintage, Avril`s 2019 Chateauneuf-du-Pape turned out beautifully. It wafts from the glass with pronounced aromas of predominantly red fruits, black cherry, garrigue, white pepper and crushed rocks, giving it a ferrous-like twist. On the palate, it is full-bodied, rich, built like a brick wall and possesses staggering intensity, concluding with a powerful finish. 96 points